Grand Opening for New SunRunner Expansion & Launch of “SunRunner After Dark” Service

PSTA Gives Riders Closer Access to the St. Pete Pier & Downtown Waterfront Businesses 

Pinellas County, FL–Pinellas County has a new and convenient way to get to the St. Pete Pier, Beach Drive, the Cross Bay Ferry and all the businesses along the bustling Downtown St. Petersburg waterfront. This morning, the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA), Congresswoman Kathy Castor, State Representative Lindsay Cross, St. Petersburg City Council members, and other leaders celebrated the expansion of the successful SunRunner service with the grand opening of the newest SunRunner station along 1^st Avenue North in Downtown St. Petersburg.

Instead of a traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony, a SunRunner bus drove through the ribbon, symbolizing the SunRunner’s role in driving progress and connecting the community. Crews completed the original SunRunner network $5 million under budget, allowing the remaining funds to be invested into this expansion.

“The success of the SunRunner is evident in every aspect of its operation,” said Brad Miller, CEO of PSTA. “This new station exemplifies our mission to create a more connected, sustainable, and accessible community for residents and visitors alike.”

“Innovations like the SunRunner reduce the cost of living, strengthen the local economy, and help the environment,” added Congresswoman Kathy Castor. “This project is an outstanding example of how federal funding can deliver real benefits for families and businesses in Pinellas County.”

Launched in October 2022, the SunRunner has transformed transportation in Pinellas County, connecting St. Pete Beach to Downtown St. Petersburg along the area’s busiest corridor. The route has quickly become one of PSTA’s top-performing services, on track to reach a remarkable milestone of two million riders. Building on the success of the SunRunner, today, the City of St. Petersburg announced a new initiative—“SunRunner After Dark” —which will: 

• Enhance Evening Service: Doubles the number of SunRunner buses on Friday and Saturday nights.

• Reduce Wait Times: Pickups every 15 minutes (from 6 a.m. to midnight). Previously, evening pickups occurred every 30 minutes between 8 p.m. and midnight.

• Support the Local Economy: Expanded service aims to support Downtown businesses, employees, residents, and visitors—offering safer, more convenient transportation options.

“SunRunner After Dark will connect our vibrant nightlife with safe, affordable, and sustainable transportation,” said Copley Gerdes, Chairman of the St. Petersburg City Council. “This investment is a win for St. Pete businesses, employees, and residents who rely on dependable transit.”

Local business owners—such as the team behind Teak, Driftwood Café, and Pier Teaki at the St. Pete Pier—are already seeing the benefits of the SunRunner.

“This station fills in a missing piece, bringing riders just steps away from our businesses,” said Chuck Prather, Owner of Teak. “The SunRunner is helping us grow by connecting customers and employees to Downtown’s incredible dining, shopping, and entertainment options.”

The SunRunner's hybrid-electric fleet furthers PSTA’s commitment to environmental sustainability. By reducing noise and emissions, the service improves air quality and quality of life, creating a cleaner, greener future for Pinellas County. For more information about the SunRunner, including an interactive map, click here.